Best restaurants, shopping, things to do and more in Cleveland's Larchmere neighborhood

Best restaurants, shopping, things to do and more in Cleveland's Larchmere neighborhood

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Larchmere is a district known for its eclectic charm. Restaurants are tucked into turn-of-the-century houses. Boutiques are rich with style and handmade flair. Vintage and antique shops are overflowing with everything retro and rustic.

And it's only growing. Larchmere PorchFest has become one of the most vibrant events of the year, drawing hundreds to the streets. Both Poison Berry Bakery and Gray House Pies have recently made their home in the neighborhood. The popular Lakewood restaurant Barroco will soon expand across town.

Larchmere is also a bit like any great antique shop: There are plenty of secrets and hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Wind around back of Fine Points yarn shop and the yard opens up to EarthLight Art Source's patio full of paintings, ceramics, glass, and ethereal garden items. Walk just a block away and you'll find Larchmere Fire Works paying homage to the past with backyard blacksmithing.

This is only a taste of what you'll find when you stroll through Larchmere - and the rest is ready to be discovered. Events throughout the year, like the Larchmere Porchfest on June 17, give a first-hand look at everything the neighborhood has to offer.

Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com

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What's new: Barroco Arepa Bar (Coming soon)

12718 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, barrocogrill.com

Lakewood’s electric, art-filled Barroco will bring its Colombian cuisine to the east side with the opening of Barroco Arepa Bar in the space formerly belonging to Valo. You’ll find the same high energy feel – including the colorful décor and live music – and a menu to match. Expect to hear Spanish guitar, afro funk and latin jazz fill the air.

(cleveland.com)

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What's new: Poison Berry Bakery

12210 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, 440-477-2078, poisonberrybakery.com

Vegan delights are the star of the colorful new Poison Berry Bakery. Cupcakes, cookie dough balls and breads fill the cases of the husband-and-wife café. Other fan favorites include their donuts, chocolate chip banana bread and blueberry lemon bread. They’ve also started running specials, like all-day vegan brunches. In addition to sweets, they serve coffee, including espresso, drip and cold brew toddy.

(Photo courtesy Poison Berry)

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What's new: Gray House Pies

12204 Larchmere Rd., Cleveland, 440-360-7870, grayhousepies.com

Scratch made pies have been a staple of Westlake thanks to Gray House, and their expansion to the east brings them to a whole new set of fans. Fruit pies, cream pies, traditional pot pies and quiche are sold here. Try their specialty pies, such as the “Purple Bee” with apple, honey and lavender filling or the “Almond Joy” with coconut cream, almonds and chocolate ganache. Flakey pub pies come in varieties like Reuben, barbecue pork and meatloaf and gravy to please savory palates.

(Sara Dorn, cleveland.com)

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What's new: Big Al's Diner renovations

12600 Larchmere Blvd., 216-791-8550

A Larchmere institution, Big Al’s Diner is a classic breakfast and lunch joint serving up heaping plates for the neighborhood and anyone who happens to be passing through. Recent renovations give it more polish, complete with a retro red and black sign out front, but that doesn’t mean it’s shied away from its familiar fare. Corned beef hash, omelets, and thick pancakes perk up the morning and a full sandwich menu give you the sustenance to keep shopping through the afternoon. For a taste of nostalgia, grab a fried bologna sandwich just like when you were a kid.